Arabesque (Karakusa) Pattern

The arabesque patterns, which originated in Arabia and spread to Japan, were known as 'Karakusa patterns' and were used to decorate kimonos and furniture. The term 'Karakusa' is unique to the Japanese language and is said to mean a foreign pattern. These patterns were said to be introduced to Japan via China and the Korean peninsula. For example, Makura no Soushi and the Utsubo Monogatari (Tales of Utsubo) attest to the existence of arabesque patterns in Japan since the Heian period (7th century).

The introduction of arabesque patterns to Japan was also associated with the spread of Buddhism. The Chinese originally had patterns based on cloud and dragon motifs. When Buddhism was introduced to China from India and the West, plants were also incorporated into the patterns, which became widespread as decorative patterns in Buddhism. The pedestal of the Yakushi Nyorai at Yakushiji Temple, Nara, is decorated with Greek grape and Persian lotus flower patterns, which form the basis of the arabesque pattern. The Shosoin storehouse treasures are from China and Sasanian Persia, which also have arabesque patterns. Arabian patterns have been incorporated into the history of Japanese patterns and integrated with the ancient ones, establishing them as a familiar aspect.